Real Estate Appraisers Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers from the Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers

Table of Contents

What is the status of my renewal?

If you have renewed online, paid the renewal fee, and completed the Mandatory Continuing Education Attestation and Reporting Form to the Board, it takes four (4) to six (6) weeks to receive a wallet license.

You may conduct your own online search to check the status of your professional license using our E-Licensing Portal.

Can the Board verify my license status?

If you’ve renewed your license and are waiting to receive your wallet license and your employer and/or client will not accept the Board’s website as verification of my “Current” licensure status, the Board can mail you a letter on the Board’s letterhead stating your licensure status with the Board.

If you are requesting a “Letter of Good Standing” or a “Licensee History Record”, please see the FAQ What is the process to obtain a “Letter of Good Standing” or a “Licensee History Record”?

Can the Board update the National Registry and the FHA Roster Appraiser list?

If you’ve renewed your appraiser license and the Board’s website reflects that I you are in “Current” status but the National Registry and the FHA Roster Appraiser list has not been updated, see the information below.

  • In relation to the National Registry list, as maintained by the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC), the Board transmits licensure updates to the ASC every two (2) weeks.
  • In relation to the FHA Roster Appraiser list, the Board does not transmit any updates or information to the FHA. Please contact the FHA directly for how to update licensure information.

What is the process to obtain a “Letter of Good Standing” or a “Licensee History Record”?

The requestor (licensee or consumer) must go the boards E-Licensing Portal and follow the instructions. See this page for more detailed instructions. 

I lost or misplaced my wallet license. Can the Board send me a new wallet license?

Yes, you must complete the “Change of Name or Request for Duplicate License” amendment through the Board ePlace portal. Instructions are located on the Request a Duplicate License or a Name/Address Change page.

How do I request a name change?

You must go to the Request a Duplicate License or a Name/Address Change page and follow the instructions.

May I submit with my application appraisals generated from work performed in another state?

Yes, if you were supervised by a licensed or certified appraiser listed in good standing with the National Registry of the Appraisal Subcommittee.

Should I submit a new list of appraisals if I submitted them with another application for licensure?

Each application for licensure is considered a new and separate application. Moreover, the Board is not responsible for locating materials to match to a previously submitted application.

What is the Board’s website address?

The Board's website address is: Mass.gov/realestateappraisers.

Where can I find information on how to become an appraiser in Massachusetts?

These are the rules and regulations on how to become a licensed appraiser in Massachusetts.

How do I apply to become an appraiser in Massachusetts?

All application materials may be found on the Board’s website. If you are seeking to upgrade your current Massachusetts appraiser license, then please review the Board’s Policy Statement 2007-001 entitled “Upgrading Existing Credentials under 2008 Criteria” located under the Statutes and Regulations link then the Board’s Policies and Guidelines link.

How do I reinstate my expired appraiser license?

A licensee must complete the Board’s continuing education requirements. Upon completion, please remit the certificates of completion to the Board and then the Board will mail you a reinstatement application.

What is a Massachusetts appraisal?

The Board adopted the standards established by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

I received a renewal application and have an upgraded license. Do I need to renew the old license?

No, you do not need to renew the old license. 

Can I submit primary education courses taken in the past towards my application?

Yes, if it is a Board approved course.

How often can I apply for a Temporary Practice Permit?

There is no set limit. You may apply for a permit when you are applying for appraisal of federally related property in Massachusetts. All application materials may be found at the Board’s website.

How many properties can be listed on the Temporary Practice Permit?

You can list as many as you can complete within the timeframe of the permit.

The property I'm appraising isn't federally related; do I qualify for a Temporary Practice Permit?

In Massachusetts, you must submit the reason for applying for the permit and the Board will determine whether or not to grant the permit.

What states have reciprocity agreements with the Board?

Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington.

I have taken a course and it is not listed with the Board, how can I get approval for this course?

All courses must be approved by the Board before submitted for renewal or licensure. The course provider or school must submit an application to the Board for approval.

How do I get approval as a course provider in Massachusetts?

You must submit the required course application with required materials and fee to the Board online. All application materials may be found on the Board’s Licensing page.

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